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We should always have a forgiving heart no matter who the offender is and
no matter what the offense was. We must always remember and keep in mind
that we have all fallen short at one time or another and just as we've
sought and received forgiveness for our trespasses, we should also be
quick to forgive those who have trespassed against us. We can't go around
pointing our finger at others when we have three fingers pointing back at
us. We must remember that self-righteousness does nothing to bring about
healing and wholeness. By thinking that we can't forgive others because
their offense was too great, we are placing ourselves in a position higher
than God Almighty because He forgives us of our iniquities, but we can't
forgive others of their iniquities. Thinking in a self-righteous way is
detrimental to our own well-being.
By harboring unforgiveness in our hearts we are in effect allowing a
disease and a sickness that if left dormant within our being will
eventually kill us. Unforgiveness is a disease much like cancer. It will
enter into us and if we don't do our part to get rid of it then just like
cancer it will grow, it will multiply and it will eventually kill us. Why
allow a simple thing like unforgiveness to ruin your life. I call it a
simple thing because it is easy to get past the past. You simply must
recognize that forgiveness is to your benefit just as much as it is to
that one who brought the offense. When we forgive others, we are not
condoning their actions, but we are accepting that we love ourselves much
more than to allow that offense to steal our joy, our peace and our livelihood.
See that it is within your ability to forgive every wrong that has been
done against you. You can forgive the offense, move past it wholeheartedly
and continue living your life to its fullest potential. Do what is
necessary for your own betterment. If you love and value your family,
your spouse, your children and even your health then you will do what is
necessary to move on from any past hurts and you will live your life in
joy, in harmony, in peace and most importantly in love. I pray that you
will love yourself enough to forgive every person for their every shortfall
and allow healing to take place within your heart. You will find a new
freedom and a refreshed sense of peace when you rest in forgiveness.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do all that you
can move past every hurt and rest in the goodness that comes with forgiveness.
LET THE PAST BE PAST
Is it difficult for you to forgive? To let the past be past? It is for me.
Nearly impossible sometimes. I'm a little like the elderly Virginian woman
who lived to see her beloved Richmond occupied by Union troops after the
American Civil War. The matron was walking down a Richmond street when she
tripped over a step and fell. A Union soldier courteously helped her up.
“How very kind of you, young man,” she said acidly. “If there is a cool
spot in hell, I hope you get it.”
Maybe it was still a bit early for her to let go of those deep-seated
resentments. But angry and bitter lives are never happy lives.
A beautiful legend tells of an African tribe that ritualizes forgiveness.
When a tribe member acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he or she is taken to
the center of the village. All work ceases and every man, woman and child
in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused. Then the
tribe bombards the rejected person with affirmations! One at a time,
friends and family enumerate all the good the individual has done. Every
incident, every experience that can be recalled with some detail and
accuracy is recounted. All their positive attributes, strengths and
kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. Finally, the tribal circle
is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the outcast is welcomed
back into the tribe.
What a beautiful ritual of restoration! They replace hurt with happiness;
pain with peace. Once again they are family. The rejected one is restored
and the village is made whole.
Paul Boese has said, “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does
enlarge the future.” As brothers and sisters in our global village is
letting go of those resentments really an option?
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus says, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye
may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their
trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Romans 12:17-21 “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest
in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,
give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Colossians 3:12-15 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and
beloved bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any
man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: DOES YESTERDAY BELONG TO TODAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem122.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: IT DID HAPPEN TO US
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony59.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
